Should You Take a Pretrial Vacation or Spa Day?
Trial is stressful. There's no doubt about that.
No matter how planned out every last minute is, there will always be surprises that you didn't plan, and couldn't have known about. After a certain point in your preparation, you just have to stop to relax for a little bit as you simply cannot prepare for everything. Also, not being well rested for trial is one of the most common, and correctable, errors in preparation attorneys will make.
As such, before trial, you may want to consider taking a short vacation, or maybe just a spa day (or two). Taking a couple days to yourself will allow your body and mind to rest before you put both through a trial, which is both a mental and physical endurance contest (of sorts). Think of the day or two off as an ethical obligation to your client and an essential part of your trial prep.
Meditation Is Good for Trial
If you meditate regularly, then good. If not, you either need to start, or find a suitable alternative (like adult coloring books, seriously). Simple meditation can help you sleep better, improve your focus and memory, and even help boost your immune system. Given these benefits, you might think that meditation is a form of PED for trial lawyers, and you'd be right.
The Pretrial Spa Day
If you opt for a pretrial spa day, even if you're a few days out from jury selection, you may want to take it easy on any face related treatments you don't already regularly get (and thus can be certain won't turn you into a blueberry). Stick to the basics, like whirlpools, saunas, mud-baths, and massages.
The Pretrial Vacation
Getting out of town for a night or two before trial can be a great way to clear your mind and relax before a trial. Just be sure you're not going too far and plan to be home well in advance in order to be able to deal with potential travel drama. Alternatively to leaving town, you can simply check into a nice hotel in your own town for a staycation.
Related Resources:
- 3 Tips for Hiring Contract Attorneys to Make Appearances (FindLaw's Strategist)
- The Rutter Group's Guide for Federal Civil Procedure: Updated, Still the Best (FindLaw's Strategist)
- When Should You Ask Another Attorney for Help? (FindLaw's Strategist)